VP, Senior Legal Counsel - Global Transaction Banking

About the role

The Senior Legal Counsel for Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (“CIB”) serves as a trusted legal advisor to a dynamic and growing business platform. You enable strategic execution by delivering pragmatic, risk-aware legal guidance for the US Global Transaction Banking business, other CIB business units and Legal firmwide legal projects and initiatives as needed.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documentation related to letters of credit, trade loans, receivables finance, supply chain finance, structured trade, and credit risk insurance, and cash management.
• Deliver legal guidance to management and business lines on complex issues, including regulatory requirements and legal risks.
• Partner with Risk, Compliance, Operations, and internal stakeholders to mitigate risk and ensure adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee and manage engagement with external counsel to ensure high-quality legal support and cost-effective outcomes.
• Interpret and advise on relevant laws, regulations, policies, and governance standards impacting Global Transaction Banking activities.
• Monitor legal, policy, and legislative developments, conduct research and analysis, and translate findings into actionable business guidance.
• Act as a subject matter expert providing mentorship, technical leadership, and support for cross-functional initiatives, including broader Santander CIB projects.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution – Required.
• 4+ years practicing law in financial services, bank, or law firm – Required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting trade finance and working capital products, including letters of credit, trade loans, receivables finance, supply chain finance, structured trade, and credit risk insurance – Required.
• Proven knowledge of cash management solutions and banking operations – Required.

Qualifications

• Expertise in trade finance, working capital products, and cash management legal frameworks.
• Strong legal drafting, contract negotiation, and documentation review capabilities.
• Knowledge of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and governance standards.
• Ability to analyze complex legal, regulatory, and policy developments and translate into business insights.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills for resolving complex legal issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings.
• Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Ability to build trust, influence decision-making, and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Leadership skills with the ability to mentor, guide, and support team development.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities.

Skills

• Active license to practice law in NY State - Required.